Random reminder

Press, 5 January 1979, Page 14

Random reminder

INSIDE STORY J “HO, HO, HO, and what would you: J like for Christmas, little boy?” bellowed the jolly, exaggeratedly fat , Santa. The grubby little boy with the runny nose squirmed in Santa’s lap as I he pondered over this for a while. “I’ll just take one of every thing you’ve got,” he decides as another I drop of ice cream plops into Santa’s! lap- | Santa tries in vain to explain that i it’s greedy to want everything, and that only good children get presents for Christmas. However, the little angel misunderstands and leaves Santa with a swift kick to the shins, just to make sure that he got his message: across. ! So starts Santa’s day. All yea'r he 1 has been practising his “HO, HO, . HO’s,”; months of sewing were involved in perfecting his Santel'suit. ! Even the pillow was especially handpicked to compensate for his inadequate stomach. It seemed like Santa’s lucky day when- he was I employed by one of Christchurch’s i largest department stores. The only pre-requisite for the job was that he must remain jolly, no matter what happens. “HI, Santa,” cried his next customer, as she bounced on his lap. (At least 20 | stone thought Santa.) Her mother ' wanted some photos, but she wanted ! to find out if Santa’s beard was real. TWANGG. “A phony!” she yells. Fortunately Santa’s yells and thoughts are suppressed. “I must keep jolly no matter what!” “Sit still and smile for Mummy,” says the girl’s mother as she adjusts the lens on her instamatic. The girl assumes an angelic smile, Santa grits ' his teeth in a forced smile, the flash cube pops and so finishes customer ! number two. I “Hello, Santy Claus,” screams thei excited little six-year-old. “HO, HO,.

HO,” says Santa with slight anticipation. “And how are you j today?” “I am very well, thank you Santa, ! and how are you?” I Well this is more like it, thinks ; Santa. “I’m well too, thank you, and ! what do you want for Christmas, little I boy?” > “Mum says that I’ve been a good i boy so I can ask you for a tricycle.” Santa looks across at the boy’s mother who nods her agreement. “Well,” replies Santa, “As long as you remain! the good little boy that you are, I’ll ' see what I can do.” The little boy puts his arms around i Santa’s neck, looks into his eyes and says softly, “1 love you, Santy,’' A tear wells up in Santa's eye as he waves the little boy good-bye. It’s ail been worth while, he thought. WHUMP . . . “Gimme a motorbike,” demands number four, as he jumps squarely into Santa’s lap. “And a car and a truck and a rifle, and don’t forget to wrap em.” he calls over nis shoulder as he races off through the shop in search of more excitement. That was how Santa’s day continued By lunch time he had lost half his whiskers and three-quarters of his patience. His new suit was covered in toffee, "ice cream and all sorts of gooey things that children seem to delight in leaving with Santa. By the end of the day Santa’s “HO, HO, HO’s” are changed in tune slightly. However, he somehow manages to last out until the end of the festive season. Remembering all the good times and the bad times. Remembering especially the rare, softly spoken, “I love you, Santy.” The coming year won’t need so much preparation. Santa has had enough. Anyone in the market for a Santa' suit?